I wasn't saying they suffered from fixture congestion, they didn't benefit from being in Europe.
It was of no benefit at all to us.
The first year was nice, did ok, had a decent run, but I think it was the novelty. Watching us play MSK Zilina on a Wednesday night in November isn't that much fun, mind.
O'Neill then showed what he thought of it when we played CSKA.
The problem is that the EL lasts FOREVER. That season, we started in the Intertoto, so it went on even longer, and nobody really cares about it.
Incidentally, there are currently 6 points between 16th and 17th in the league, which is insane. I haven't even entirely discounted our chances of finishing 6th.
Needs to go back to straight knockout. UEFA have completely devalued the Europa/UEFA League/Cup with their constant meddling. The second chance scenario it provides for Champions League teams is a joke.